magandang gabi
/maɡanˌdaŋ ɡaˈbi/
In Tagalog, magandang gabi is the way to say "have a good night".
While the English "good night" is primarily used when parting, magandang gabi is used both as a greeting when arriving and a farewell when leaving in the evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of maganda (beautiful), the linker -ng and gabi (night).
How do you pronounce it?
/maɡanˌdaŋ ɡaˈbi/
Did you know?
- The word gabi is a homonym in Tagalog. While it means 'night' in this phrase, it also refers to 'taro', a root vegetable common in Filipino cuisine.
- In traditional Filipino culture, a greeting like magandang gabi might be accompanied by mano, a gesture where a younger person takes an elder's hand and touches it to their forehead.
- To make magandang gabi more polite or formal, Filipinos add the word po, resulting in magandang gabi po. This is essential when speaking to elders or strangers.
Examples in context
- Gabi, Beh! Tulog ka nang maaga!Night, babe! Sleep early!
- Magandang gabi, Kaibigan.Good evening, friend.
Example conversation
Juan and Jasmine meet at a local park during the evening.
- JuanMagandang gabi, Jasmine.Good evening, Jasmine.
- JasmineMagandang gabi rin, Juan.Good evening to you too, Juan.
- JuanKumusta ang iyong gabi?How is your evening?
- JasmineMabuti naman, salamat.It is good, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry magandang gabi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
